An Egyptian archaeological mission working in the Minqab area of the Asyut Governorate has uncovered a mud-brick building dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries CE. The building, coated with a layer of white mortar, consists of two levels.
According to Dr. Jamal Mustafa, the Head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the first level comprises three parallel halls followed by two rooms. A descending staircase leads to the lower level, which contains three parallel cells followed by two living rooms.
Inside the building, archaeologists discovered a number of murals. Among them is one with symbolism in Coptic art, depicting eyes in a repeated pattern with a face in the middle. This mural symbolizes "the inner spiritual insight that may be hidden from many who live a worldly life and love the world." Another mural was found with the remains of a drawing of a man's face holding a small child. It is likely that the man depicted is Joseph the Carpenter holding the Lord Jesus Christ. On either side of this mural are the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, accompanied by Coptic writings.
The mission also uncovered numerous archaeological finds within the lower level, including multi-use pottery vessels, stones, and amphorae of different sizes—some bearing Coptic letters. Among the discoveries is a tombstone of one of the saints, inscribed with Coptic writings clarifying the name of the saint and the date of his death. A stone frieze with animal decorations was also found, representing the remains of a gazelle and a lion.
Mamdouh Mohamed, General Director of the Eastern Asyut Antiquities Area for Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities, stated that the Minqab archaeological area is located in the village of Minqab, affiliated with the Center and Governorate of Asyut, northwest of the city of Asyut. The area is about 12 kilometers from the city and approximately 22 kilometers from Asyut International Airport, situated southwest of the highway.
"The mission is continuing its excavation work and studies of the uncovered murals to learn more about the secrets of this building and its importance," Mohamed said. He added that the Minqab archaeological area was discovered in 1965, and actual work began in 1976 in non-continuous periods. Seasons of excavation continued until 2010, and Egyptian excavations resumed in the 2024 season.
This discovery is part of the interest the Supreme Council of Antiquities is giving to archaeological excavation works and providing support to scientific missions working at archaeological sites. This interest is in light of the directives of Sherif Fathy, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.
Dr. Muhammad Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained the significance of the discoveries. He emphasized the importance of the murals and the architectural features of the building in understanding the Coptic art and heritage of the period.
The Minqab archaeological area continues to reveal its treasures, offering insights into Egypt's rich past. The ongoing excavations promise to shed more light on the cultural and spiritual life of the region during the 6th and 7th centuries CE.
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